-Joseph was the man who acted as earthly father to Jesus. He was a good man that followed and feared God. He was half of the couple, God gave to raise and protect Jesus. (Matthew 1:19-20) Most Biblical scholars believe Matthew 1 is his genealogy. Scripture records 3 times that God spoke to Joseph concerning raising and protecting Jesus (Matthew chapters 1 and 2). When Jesus was on the cross, John 19:26-27 records Jesus giving the care of Mary to John, indicating that Joseph died before Jesus was crucified (Note 1).

-Mary is the one God chose to give birth to Jesus. She was fully human and according to her own words in Scripture, was a sinful person that needed a savior. (Luke 1:47)(Note 2) She also believed in, trusted in and feared God. While she was still a virgin the Holy Spirit came upon her and Jesus was conceived. (Matthew 1:23-25) Most Biblical scholars believe the genealogy in the book of Luke is that of Mary. After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph consummated their marriage (Matthew 1:25) and had other children (Mark 6:3).

-Half brothers of Jesus are also listed in Matthew 13:55–56 ‘Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?...’ Apparently none of Mary and Joseph’s other children believed in the divinity of Christ until after the resurrection. However after Jesus died and rose again eyes were opened. James and Judas (Jude) are listed as being part of the early Christian Church. (Galatians 1:19, Jude 1:1) Most Biblical Scholars believe the books of James and Jude were written by the half brothers of Jesus.

In the service of Jesus Christ

Ron Stange

Note 1: In that culture, if the man of the family died, the oldest son would take on the responsibilities of the family.

Note 2: Mary had to be a descendant of Adam and Eve and their sinful nature to fulfil the prophecy in Genesis 3:15

Note 3: According to multiple Biblical prophecies: Jesus’ Father was God. His mother was descendant of Adam/Eve, Abraham, and David. He was born of seed of human woman (indicating no man involved in conception). Jesus was conceived and born of a virgin.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:19-20 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Matthew 1:23-25 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Galatians 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.

Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James...

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.